“Your Editor is a friend for life.”

It’s not easy to find a solid editor, but I was blessed with two very different and talented editors, who are my friends. It is because of them, that my writings have been published.

In this post I want to focus on publishing. For Part 1 of the Editorial Perspective and interview with editor, Dennis DeRose, please click here.

Editing is like publishing in many ways. One of the main purposes of editing is to get the product (an author’s book) “reader ready” and the content (insides/guts) perfect and complementary to the author’s voice.

Publishing on the other hand, requires editing and finessing at a different level, that is, the outsides, or the skin level: the cover, book jacket, launch venues, media types, and getting a product, a.k.a., the book, to reach the intended audience.

So, writers listen up. Tell the most compelling story you can tell. Hire a great editor who will make your book shine, and then find an awesome publisher who can help you spread the word and create the best “birthday party” launch. Because, if you don’t have the right tools to reach your readers, no one will come to your party.

Let’s talk more about publishers. Introducing…

The Midwest Editor Turned Publisher: Brittiany Koren.

References:

https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/12/09/self-publishing-indie-author-definition/

https://www.amarketingexpert.com/top-30-websites-indie-authors/

https://www.standoutbooks.com/pros-cons-indie-author/

https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/suspension-of-disbelief.html

https://www.standoutbooks.com/suspension-of-disbelief/

“Your Editor is Your Friend.”

When I pick up a book that I’m going to read, I immediately flip to the end and peruse the Acknowledgments section.

Why?

An author can get personal about their journey to writing the book, as well as thank all those that helped make the project come to fruition.

Agents, publishing houses, and beta-readers are always thanked, as well as editors.

Any agent or publishing house will suggest that their book(s) be professionally edited if they are to consider publishing. It’s one of the most important steps in refining a manuscript and finalizing a story.

Having beta readers is just as important, but editors are your “clean up and make beautiful crew”. They will mold your story, help it flow, let it shine and be error-free. Who wants to read a book that is riddled with misspellings and grammar flaws?

If an author thanks their editor, which they should, sometimes, he/she may add commentary on how grateful they are to have had an editor help them perfect their craft.

Find a good editor, and you will have a friend for life. The author/editor relationship is so crucial to the success of the story. You both need to have each other’s back, and you both need to be honest about how the story will come out. Editors, from time to time will disagree with an author. That’s okay too, if the relationship is a healthy one, both parties can agree to disagree.

I’ve published two books: Love’s Perfect Surrender and Petrella, the Gillian Princess. Currently, I’m working on a third novel, Make it Right; Make it Matter. I’ve been blessed working with two very different editors whose approach to editing was just as diverse. In both cases, their unique style and work ethic was what I needed to make my stories bloom.

And with that, I believe editors deserve some limelight. I’m happy to feature the editors I’ve worked with in The Rock Star Editorial Perspective – A Two-Part Series.

Enjoy this read and remember to utilize the best editor that matches your desired storyline. Good luck.

First one up…

The East Coast Editor: Dennis DeRose